Writing: email guidance
Elementary to advanced level English (A2-C1)

Writing emails to good friends isn’t usually a problem but how should you write more formal emails? Here is some guidance for formal and semi-formal emails. These are the kind of emails you might write when applying for a job, complaining officially or writing to a work colleague or contact you don’t know very well.

• Avoid slang or very informal language eg ‘mate’, ‘gutted’ or ‘skint’
• Only use extremely well-known abbreviations and avoid ones such as FYI, LOL or IMO
• Keep your sentences short. If you use less than 20 words, your email will be better understood.
• If possible, do not use passive verb patterns. ‘I will read it’ is better than ‘It will be read’.
• Avoid using smilies eg ; ), 😮 etc
• In formal emails especially, try not to use contractions such as ‘don’t’, ‘they’ll’ or ‘mustn’t’.
• Keep your email short – 2 paragraphs or 5 to 6 bullet points
• Include your contact information (usually at the bottom)

Remember that emails are much newer than letters and the ‘rules’ for writing emails are not always clear. This means you will probably find some variation in how people write them. Ask yourself which styles your prefer.